FashionClub.com Daily

Interview With Visual Communications Alumna Christy Maguire

Visual Communications Alumna Christy Maguire is managing the in-house PR and Marketing efforts for fashion designer Lauren Moshi—which largely involves being a social networking guru. She loves the brand and is proud to help grow something she believes in.

FIDM Grad Year: 2009

Campus: Los Angeles

Age: 22

Tell us a little about yourself: I grew up in Seattle and graduated high school there. I went straight to college at Chapman University in Orange County majoring in International Business. I began working for a designer in L.A. producing her fashion shows and being her brand representative during the summer. It was then that I realized I wanted a future in fashion, so I moved up to L.A. and started at FIDM. I used to visit the Career Center often and take any volunteer opportunity I could get. I worked at L.A. Fashion Week, Vanity Fair events, Burberry, Teen Vogue, and others. I then decided I wanted an internship, so my counselor, Cindy Patino, sent me some opportunities. I was an Entertainment Marketing intern at Richemont (luxury group of companies such as Chloe, Van Cleef & Arpels, and others) for eight months. It was really a great experience—I learned a lot and had so much fun. I'm glad I did it. It definitely made my transition to working after graduation easier.

Where are you working now? I work for the designer Lauren Moshi. I do her in-house PR. That entails handling all of her social media, and tracking and creating as much press as possible. And I also do her website.

Describe a typical work day: Get to the office around 9am, sit at my desk, turn on my computer, check my work email. Then I'll pull up the Lauren Moshi website, Twitter, Facebook, and blog. A lot of our sales are generated by celebrities wearing her clothes, so making sure they get to the right people and finding those new images are daily tasks. Next I'll pull up Photoshop and create mock blogs where I play around with images and press. I probably do about five of those per day and we'll have weekly meetings where they tell me what they like or don't like, and we come up with new ideas. Once I have a final draft on Photoshop, I'll upload it to the blog. Right now I'm working on updating our website with current collections. Every once in a while she'll send me out to pull fabric samples, or we'll have a photo shoot for a new collection; but other than that, I'm at the desk most all day.

What do you love about your job? My office—it's so nice! They gave me a big desk and I have a huge MAC computer to work on. Job-wise though, I really love working for Lauren and Michael Moshi—they give me so much creative freedom. I also love the brand, so I'm happy to be helping grow something I believe in.

What is you proudest accomplishment? I'd say graduating college and landing a job I'm happy and secure with. I'm exactly where I hoped I would be at this time in my life.

Who is your style icon and why? That's such a tough question. She would be a combination of Victoria Beckham, Sienna Miller, and Carrie from Sex & The City.

What's your dream fashion purchase? Right now I want the Black YSL Pumps with the blue sole. The entire Spring 2010 Versace collection would be nice too.

 

How did you know FIDM was the right college for you? I knew what I wanted out of an education, what classes I needed to take, and what I wanted to learn. I knew FIDM would provide me that as well as connections afterwards. The first college I went to wasn't creative at all and location-wise I knew I wanted to be in L.A.

How did you decide on your major? I had taken Business before and I wanted something creative. I loved fashion show production and styling, so that's originally why I chose VCOMM.

What is specific to Visual Communications that sets it apart from the other majors at FIDM? It takes a certain type of creativity. I think you need to be confident and risk-taking. It's about production and presentation, not necessarily design or number-crunching. I like it because it ties so many things together; it's a very broad major.

What was your favorite class at FIDM and why? Any of the Digital Imaging classes. I could sit on Photoshop and Illustrator all day!

Any advice for current FIDM Students? Go to the Career Center! Even if it means stalking your Career Counselor—they're busy but it will pay off to utilize them.

What is your biggest dream right now? Just to be happy, to never be bored, and to love what I'm doing every day. I want to move up in my career and continue to feel successful.

If you could ask anyone in fashion history a question, who would it be? Edie Sedgwick. She was a style icon. I love fashion of that era. I'd just make her tell me stories about Andy Warhol and The Factory.

 

Win Free VIP Tickets to SF's Sassy City Chicks Fashion Bash!

Sassy City Chicks Fashion Bash, the amazing designer sample sale where labels such as Dior, Prada, and Gucci are 30% to 80% off, is giving away 10 pairs of free VIP tickets to their San Francisco event on March 18, 2010!

To enter, just email info@sassycitychicks.com with FIDM in the subject line. At the shopping extravaganza you'll also discover great boutiques, new designers, spa services, and a live DJ.

You can also get a free General Admission ticket by using GEN AD promo code at check out (gift bag not included) or get $10 off promo code SCC SF to receive a 2-for-1 VIP ticket (normally $20).

New Interview With Merchandise Product Development Student Natasha Endrei

Merchandise Product Development Student Natasha Endrei moved to LA from Ohio to pursue her dreams of a career in the fashion industry. Read our interview with Natasha to learn more about her style icons, the fashion sites she can't live without, and what she loves about FIDM.

Age: 19

Hometown: Avon, OH

What is one of your proudest accomplishments? I think one of my proudest accomplishments has been getting here to FIDM, and the things I have faced and overcome since being out here in Los Angeles.

Favorite designer: I don't usually have favorites but a designer whose work I absolutely adore is Oscar de la Renta. I feel not only his gowns but also his ready to wear garments celebrate the female and embrace the feminine curves.

What's a trend or item you're loving right now? I love leggings—if i could just wear different types of leggings and never have to wear real pants again, I would be perfectly happy. They are comfortable and cute—isn't that what we're all searching for?

Who is your style icon and why? The Olsen twins. I love their use of skinny jeans, gorgeous stilettos, oversized flannels, and layering. They also have a phenomenal collection of jewelry used to accessorize their often casual outfits.

What's in your wardrobe you can't live without? Leggings, my leather jacket, and my leather Valentino backpack from Europe I received as a gift.

What fashion websites/blogs do you love? I love being able to access Vogue, Elle, and all my other magazines online. On top of that I love using the FIDM Portal to access WWD and StyleSight. A fashion blog I enjoy is a friend of mine's called LAInspiration. It is just finding people in everyday life with great or unique style, and then also suggesting stores and online sites to find great merchandise and deals with a little bit of personal input.

How did you decide on FIDM? When I was looking at colleges, I looked at FIT, LIM, Parsons, Art Institute, and FIDM. I started all of the application/searching process for all of them around the same time. FIDM stuck out to me though—I had a fantastic admissions process, and felt that the vibe and personality of FIDM was the right fit for me. Visiting campus only solidified my assumptions and exceeded my expectations.

How did you choose your major? I owe a lot of my choice on major to my fantastic Admissions Advisor, Laura Gorham. She asked me about what I wanted to be doing in the future, and what I love doing now and helped my narrow the choices down to Merchandise Product Development. Being three semesters in, I couldn't be happier and more confident in my choice.

What do you love about FIDM? I love that I am surrounded by people who are just as passionate about art and are as creative as I am, and all the different styles and cultural backgrounds of everyone. I love the fact that FIDM really lets you be who you are, and no one is really going to judge or criticize you.

What's your favorite class so far and why? Surprisingly, I love my Effective Speaking class. I know it's not one of the super creative classes or design-based but I really enjoyed my Professor Nino Surdo. The class was not only a learning experience on public speaking but also provided helpful tools and mindsets for life.

Describe the students. I think the thing that makes the FIDM Student Body unique is that we are all from different states, ethnicities, religions, styles and yet we all come together on our one common factor which is our love for art and design.

What are your career goals? My long-term goals are to own a company or a handful of different lines, along with founding a charity to help bring necessities such as food, water, clothing, and medicine to those in the U.S. and Africa who can't afford them.

What advice do you have for someone thinking about going to FIDM? I would say do your homework, really ask your advisor questions, look at the FIDM website and catalog thoroughly, and go with your gut. Really think about if FIDM is right for YOU, not for anyone else! I am so happy with my decision to come to FIDM and wish all prospective students the best in their journey.

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target in Stores Now

Target pulls off another designer collaboration, beautifully. Jean Paul Gaultier for Target is in stores now—the perfect mix of feminine looks with an edge. The collection includes high-waisted pants and shorts, mini skirts, cool jackets, cropped tanks, and swimwear. See for yourself!

 

Don't you love the tattoo print mesh tee ($26.99) layered under the halter dress ($59.99). It's like a second layer of skin.

 

Can't go wrong with a versatile khaki trench ($59.99), especially when styled over something super feminine like this lingerie green dot dress ($34.99).

 

Vests are so hot this spring, especially a cropped style like this one ($29.99). It adds a touch of tough to this adorable eyelet halter dress ($59.99).

"My collection with Target pays homage to the wide range of personalities that make up the diverse styles of American women," said Jean Paul Gaultier. "From ingenue to rock 'n roll, this collection celebrates women of all ages and a host of distinctive, iconic American styles."

This exclusive collection will only be available for the next month (through April 11, 2010), so be sure to check it out. As a student of fashion it's important to take notice of these designer collaborations. They're getting more and more popular. It's a great way for top designers to get widespread visibility with a new audience.

Also, be sure to visit FIDM Fashion Design Student Michelle Smith's review of Jean Paul Gaultier's Spring/Summer collection and more on her blog!

-Gigi Hooghkirk

Missa's Monday Match: Inspiration Emmy Rossum

Actress and singer Emmy Rossum wore this cute floral dress from Free People while she was out in Los Angeles over the weekend.

She also attended the Independent Spirit Awards, which honors independent films and filmmakers.

I love how she uses two big trends together here-- floral and the denim vest.

-- Missa

5 Fab Friday – Alice in Wonderland

"You've got a very important date." Alice in Wonderland starts today!  -Gigi

1. Blue eyelet dress, $49.50, delias.com

2. Keyhole rose ring, $50, karmaloop.com

3. Personalized Alice in Wonderland book, $34, fredflare.com

4. Cheshire Cat messenger bag, $34.99, hottopic.com

5. Alice perfume, $19.99, hottopic.com

Career Girl Answers: Does FIDM Work With You To Get You Financial Aid?

Dear Career Girl:

I really want to go to FIDM and think that it is a perfect fit for me, but I'm not sure my parents can afford it. Does FIDM work with you to get you financial aid?

-Meghan

Dear Meghan:

First of all, I'm ecstatic you think FIDM is a perfect fit for you. That's wonderful! And I'm so glad you asked that question. 

I want to let you know there are many options in terms of financial aid including Federal Grants, Federal Stafford Loans, and State Aid. You can find out about all of these options on FIDM's site. You should also make a point to speak with your high school counselor—they may know of scholarships and/or grants for which you should apply.

Have you heard of FIDM's National Scholarship Competition? You can win a full one-year scholarship to attend FIDM. It's open to all high school seniors and graduates. FIDM is looking for creative thinkers with a vision. The competition deadline is April 30, 2010. Click here for a complete list of FIDM scholarships opportunities. 

Here's a money-saving tip: If you are seeking acceptance for Summer or Fall 2010, enroll prior to the April 1, 2010 deadline in order to avoid this year's tuition increase. If you need assistance, please call the Admissions Office at 800-624-1200.

On a side note, while FIDM encourages the seeking of grants and scholarships, students should not rely upon them as a major means of financing their education. Please contact an Admissions Advisor with all of your questions.

I wish you all the best, Meghan! Good luck with your decision.

-Career Girl

Interview with FIDM Grad Michael Abe of Issue Collection

Michael Abe and Business Partner Jon Rhinerson in WWD

Name: Michael Abe

Hometown: Pasadena/ Los Angeles CA

FIDM Major: A.A. Apparel Manufacturing/ B.S. in Business Management

FIDM Grad Date: Mar 03/ Oct 08

Company Name: Atlas Collective/ Issue Collection

Title: Creative Director

URL: Issue Collection

Describe a typical day? Wake up, Meditate, Read the Trades (WWD, blogs, ect.), Start emailing. Check in with Contractors, Runaround factories, Conf calls in the Afternoon, Check in with consulting clients/ projects, more emails. go home relax for a bit, maybe do some emails and design concepts or other catch up work. 

Who is your typical customer? Strong modern women. Someone who is starting to take risks with her wardrobe but not looking too over the top. Wears a fair amount of black or mostly neutral colors.

From the Issue Collection Lookbook

Where can your line be purchased? Eva in NY, Dish in SF, Isetan in Japan

What is one of your proudest accomplishments? Doing what I do and making a living.

What was your first job after graduation? Assistant to the Owner of Private Label co.

What did you learn at FIDM that still helps you today? To not dismiss any aspect of the industry and learn as many elements as i can. Whether it be pattern making, design conceptualizing or cost analysis.

What did you like most about attending FIDM? The teachers are very supportive of the students' ideas.

Anything else you'd like to add? Disclaimer- Overnight successes are hardly realistic, there's always a real story and history to a new brand's success. Coming out of FIDM I felt like I knew everything, today I feel like I'm still trying to learn as much as possible.

Interview with International FIDM Student Junie Kim

Name: Junie Kim

Hometown: Seoul, South Korea

FIDM Major: Fashion Design

Previous college experience: Acting (in Korea)

Tell us a little about yourself: I'm an international student from Korea in my 5th quarter at FIDM. I'm interested in fashion and music. I cook very well, especially Korean food :)

What is one of your proudest accomplishments? 3rd quarter when I got straight A's!

Who are your favorite fashion designers? Halmut Lang, Balmain, Coco Chanel

Runway Looks from Balmain

How did you know that FIDM was the right college for you? First of all, I needed to go to a good 2-year college because I can't be in LA for a long time--I have things to do in Korea after graduation!  Secondly, my friend suggested that FIDM would be the right college for me and once I found out more, I agreed. FIDM's California location also played a part in my decision. I love the beautiful weather!

How did you choose your major? I just love fashion!! There was no other option for me!

What do you expect to gain from attending FIDM? I expect that as a student at FIDM I can learn more about fashion and receive more inspiration from my instructors than I would be able to do in Korea.

What is your ultimate career goal after graduating from FIDM? I want to be a worldwide fashion designer.

Anything else you'd like to add? I hope I'm getting straight A's next quarter!! :)

New Interview With Fashion Design Student Arief Wongso Sihono

Name: Arief Wongso Sihono

Campus: Los Angeles

Major: Fashion Design

Age: 18

Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia

Tell us a little about yourself. I am an international student from Indonesia. I was born and raised there until I was 14 years old. I love traveling and I have traveled through 17 countries in 4 continents. I have lived and studied in four countries: Indonesia, Singapore, Canada, and the United States. I am the oldest son out of eight children. I speak English and Indonesian fluently, and understand two other languages. I would like to backpack in Greece and other places in Europe.

What is one of your proudest accomplishments? My proudest accomplishment is being who I am right now.

Favorite designer: Hugo Boss. His designs are clean and simple, yet still have an edge to them. I think his designs perfectly embody elegance, sophistication, and art.

What's a trend or item you're loving right now? Anything that looks clean and relaxed—the European meets the American suburban look. For some reason I always go for the more mature and refined looks.

Who is your style icon? I do not have one. I have really bad style-mood swings, so I can't really stick with just one icon. I just pick up any styles I like whenever or wherever I see them.

What's in your wardrobe you can't live without? T-shirt and jeans. I've gotta have them wherever I go. They are way too comfy to live without.

What fashion websites or blogs do you love? Stylesight—tons of news on amazing designs and the fashion world.

What brought you to FIDM? I started developing major interests in fashion when I was in high school in Canada. I see fashion as a perfect combination of my interests: art and money. So, I decided to go to a fashion school in the U.S. because I also wanted to live in a different country and environment. Long story, short—I ended up at FIDM.

How did you choose your major? By following my interest in art, creativity, business, and money.

What's your favorite class so far? Fashion Sketching. I am an artist and I always love to sketch. It's the best way to channel my creativity and emotions.

Describe your fellow classmates. Since I came to FIDM, I have met quite a number of unique individuals. They are extremely creative, know how to pursue their dreams, and have a lot to say about fashion.

What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? My father currently owns a fabric manufacturing company and also has been supplying for designers. My dream some day is to take the company to a whole new level by creating a self-sufficient design house that carries the company's name. I think FIDM can help me by providing knowledge of the fashion business and refining my skills, and also help to provide tons of amazing connections in the industry.

What advice do you have for someone thinking about going to FIDM? Know what you want and be ready to kick ass!